The next generation deserves better

As the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) transitions into a fully-fledged royal college, I believe our profession stands at a crucial point in its history. It is for this reason that I am standing for election to the National Pharmacy Advisory Council for England. My motivation is deeply personal, and it reflects both my commitment to the profession and the challenges we must collectively confront.

A few years ago, after purchasing our family pharmacy, I persuaded my son to take on the role of responsible pharmacist and manager. One evening, as we were still dispensing at 21:00, he turned to me and said, “Your generation of pharmacists have really messed it up for my generation.” Although said in frustration, his words struck hard — and they have stayed with me ever since. That moment crystallised a moral and professional obligation: if I want the profession to be better for the next generation, then I have a responsibility to help make that happen.

In conversations with colleagues across community, hospital, general practice, integrated care boards and commissioning, I have been struck by how many — including some of the most senior leaders in pharmacy — are not members of the RPS. This should concern every one of us. A royal college’s authority, influence and credibility come from its membership. Without strong engagement from pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, the new royal college cannot hope to speak effectively for the profession. With strong membership, it can become the voice we need — confident, capable and impossible for policymakers to ignore.

I am standing because I believe the new royal college must be credible, connected and truly representative — and that begins with rebuilding membership, value and trust.

Gursaran Matharu (Raj)

Candidate for the inaugural elections to the English Pharmacy Advisory Council